Colonial Zacatecas, Mexico’s second-highest city at 2469 meters above sea level, offers a chance to take a trek back through history with stunning architecture that includes many civil and religious buildings from the colonial area.

The Cathedral dominates the center of Zacatecas City and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Churrigueresque architecture in Mexico.

Best known as one of the clusters of old silver mining cities, Zacatecas has long been valued for its rich deposits of silver and other minerals. The city also hosts the famous Holy Week Cultural Festival which features more than 50 dancers and other performers.

This UNESCO-listed nature reserve is an outdoor lovers’ dream come true.

Located off the coast of Baja, California, it’s a must-see, with pristine turquoise bays, windswept sand dunes, fiery red cliffs, and rich marine life as part of one of the most unspoiled ecosystems in Baja.

In the surrounding waters, view gray whales, swim with manta rays and sea lions, and on land, you’ll find five species of mammals and reptiles that are unique to the island, including a ring-tailed cat and black jackrabbit.

Chiapas is unlike anything you probably envisioned Mexico to be.

Here you’ll find a land filled with lakes and waterfalls as well as magnificent ruins in the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, nestled within a rainforest along the northern border of the state.

The stunning structures here were built with remarkable artistry, while the onsite museum features stucco hieroglyphs, intricately carved panels and fantastical clay earns.

The incredible detail of the carvings and frescoes have revealed to archaeologists much of what they know about Mayan life today.

At nearby Agua Azul, you can take a dip in waters that appear so amazingly blue it’s hard to believe they’re real, but they’re actually the result of crystal clear water that runs over a smooth limestone riverbed, illuminated by the sun.

Puebla’s city center is also a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its magnificent monuments of Spanish colonial architecture and a colorful blend of cultures.

Stroll its central streets, passing buildings, facades, and gardens that reflect its history, and shop for intricately designed Talavera pottery. Nearby, you can view the world’s largest pyramid at Cholula, topped by a church.

After dark, head to the Plazuela de Los Sapos to enjoy the sounds of traditional mariachi.

This quiet fishing village hidden away on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, though it still remains a favorite budget-friendly destination in Mexico.

It’s also under the radar, with the exception of those who come here to surf. A beach break known as the Mexican Pipeline, putting Mexican surfing on the map, brings surfers from across the globe.

From May to July, waves can reach 30 feet or higher. Even if you don’t surf, the experience here is all about the beach, though you’ll also find an authentic Mexican culture and a bustling outdoor food market.

Huatulco is in one of the most bio-diverse regions of the country along the Pacific Coast, about 70 miles east of Puerto Escondido, and also in Oaxaca State.

It boasts a Green Globe Certification for sustainable tourism and features an abundance of eco-attractions and wildlife, along with nine pristine bays and 36 picturesque beaches connected by rocky cliffs that lead to lush rainforest-covered mountains.

Visit coffee plantations and explore pre-Hispanic ruins or enjoy endless snorkeling and diving among brilliant reefs – you’ll be stunned at how crystal clear the waters in Huatulco are.

This seaside village 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit was a secluded surfing town and sleepy fishing village just a decade ago, but that’s changed in recent years, with travelers from across the globe discovering Sayulita’s charms.

Don’t wait too long to visit, while you can still enjoy a low-key, bohemian vibe, unspoiled beaches, and rustic seafood eateries on the sand. If you’re new to surfing, this is also a good place to learn.

While the experience will find plenty of challenges, the bay has a nice break that’s ideal for beginners, and you’ll also find lessons as well as board rentals of all types available.

Just an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is one of the most charming towns in Baja with its quirky mix of New Age spiritualists, surfers, artists, and fishermen.

It offers a world-class foodie scene too, though it’s managed to escape the rampant tourism of other towns in the region.

This unique, artsy desert oasis is tucked among ancient orchards of mango and palm while offering breathtaking views that overlook powdery white sands and the expanse of the dazzling Pacific.

Its rich history with centuries-old tradition and friendly hospitality combined with modern conveniences make it an ideal less-traveled destination.

Morelia is another one of Mexico’s most spectacular colonial cities, located in the state of Michoacan, home to the only indigenous people who were never conquered by the Aztecs.

The state capital of Morelia proudly displays its Indian roots among the majestic, pink quarry stone colonial buildings.

The cozy and picturesque town of Morelia It’s surrounded by villages devoted to the single crafts industry, including musical instruments, textiles, furniture, copper, and pottery.

Several of the most important monarch butterfly wintering sites on the planet are located in eastern Michoacan’s mountains.

The annual monarch migration is one of the greatest spectacles found in the nation when as many as 60 million to one billion of the orange-colored butterflies journey from eastern Canada to the forests of western central Mexico.

Cooper Canyon, located in the heart of the Tarahumara Mountains, is so enormous it could swallow the entire Grand Canyon.

Copper Canyon, formed by the confluence of six rivers, is lush and green with oak, fir, pine, and fig trees. Indigenous people have made the canyons their home for centuries, and living in this remote region, their way of life has largely been preserved.

You’ll need to venture deep into the canyon floor to meet the Tarahumara people. The best way to get there is via the Chihuahua al Pacifico Train which can be boarded at El Fuerte, a small colonial town on the El Fuerte River.

Ixtapan de la Sal is best known for its healing thermal springs. It’s a popular destination for Mexico City residents, located just a little over two hours southwest.

It’s also been an important source of salt since pre-Hispanic times, while its two rivers and the carbonated water of La Laguna Verde, a spring that erupts from the volcanic landscape, served as a public bath for indigenous people.

During the Aztec empire, it was said to be a sacred place for chiefs who took advantage of the warm waters for their healing and soothing properties.

The town is typical of others in Mexico, with high tile roofs and cobblestone streets framed in the traditional surroundings of 16th-century buildings.

This UNESCO World Heritage site and one of central Mexico’s most picturesque and best-preserved colonial towns manages to be cosmopolitan and quaint at the same time.

With narrow cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and idyllic weather, many feel it’s the prettiest town in the country.

Foreign retirees, artists, and writers, mainly from Canada and the U.S. are flocking here for its vibrant art scene featuring numerous studios and galleries with working artists and artisans along with a moderate cost of living.

There’s something interesting to be found around nearly every corner, with its parish church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, Jardin Park, and Mercado Ignacia Ramirez a few of the highlights.

The small state of Tlaxcala, located just two hours west of Mexico City offers something for almost everyone, including fascinating sites for history buffs and beautiful scenery for nature lovers.

At Cacaxtla, one of the most important ancient cities in central Mexico, perfectly preserved pre-Hispanic murals vividly depict battles and pyramids from the different stages of the Olmeca-Xicalanca culture.

Its compact capital is filled with colonial buildings painted in warm, colorful hues, all set in a verdant valley with soaring twin volcanoes as a backdrop.

It rivals the Yucatan for restored and ruined haciendas and is also home to over 1,000 archaeological sites. During the summer, visit the Firefly Sanctuary where you can witness countless fireflies lighting up the forest at night.

An ideal destination for wine enthusiasts, the oldest continuously operating winery in the Americas, Casa Madero, can be found in the town of Parras de la Fuente, located in Coahuila state in northern Baja California.

It was actually this very winery that exported the grapes that started the wine industry in Napa Valley, back when the Golden State was still a province of Spanish Mexico.

Its wines are still found alongside the finest in the region and among the winners of international competitions.

While the main attraction here is the vineyards, you can also visit a sacred volcano and the charming chapel, El Santo Madero, which sits atop it, keeping watch over the town.

By visiting the “cave of the bats,” located in the Hotel Antigua Hacienda de Perote, just before the sun goes down, you can see and hear thousands of bats pouring out into the sky as they get ready for a night of hunting.

La Paz was once set to become the next Acapulco – Baja’s unassuming capital remained a laid-back city with just a few tourists joining vacationing Mexicans.

But that’s starting to change, much to the dismay of some, with resorts popping up just outside of town aimed at travelers looking for luxuries that can be found in places like Cancun and Cabo.

For now, the essential nature of the city hasn’t changed.

You can still enjoy a provincial Mexico town atmosphere along with picture-postcard beaches, lively squares, and city streets nestled between coconut palms, old laurel trees, and date palms along with the ultimate seafood smorgasbord.

Arteaga, Coahuila

The small town of Arteaga is located just 18 km to the east of Saltillo.

Arteaga resembles an oasis in the middle of the desert area, which conquers travelers with beautiful landscapes of forests, fruit flavors, and an impressive mountain range, affectionately called “Little Switzerland”.

Walk through the quiet cobbled streets, try tasty regional cuisine, and visit the temple of San Isidoro Labrador, next to which there are souvenir shops with authentic products. And, of course, climb the mountains.

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

The Copper Canyon (“Barranca del Cobre”) is a chain of canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara in the state of Chihuahua. It is one of the most remote places in Mexico due to its location in the Tarahumara Mountain range.

From here you can enjoy an incredible view of the snow-capped mountain peaks!

The numerous waterfalls and hot springs of Najeno Copper Canyon region are hidden from curious tourists’ eyes. You can reach these nature wonders on foot on your own, or with a guided tour (on horseback or donkeys).

Spending the night under the open star sky on countless sandy islands is magic.

There are enough travelers and tourists in the region, but it is not crowded. Most likely, small towns maintain the right balance: there are enough visitors, so you can meet like-minded people and go on expeditions together.

Mexiquillo, Durango

Mexiquillo is a very attractive nature park for mountain lovers.

Mexiquillo is located in the west of the state of Durango. A significant part of its territory is covered by virgin coniferous forest with several endemic species of pine trees, as well as ravines, tunnels, canyons, and waterfalls.

The park is not included in the national park system of Mexico, nor is it a natural monument, but it is of interest to tourists due to the opportunities for active recreation: tracking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayaking down rivers.

In 1981, in the Mexiquillo, Ringo Starr starred in the movie “The Caveman”.

Sombrerete, Zacatecas

Not far from the large city of Zacatecas is one of the oldest cities in Mexico – Sombrerete, founded in 1555. It is worth noting that the city of Sombrerete has preserved its unique cultural and historical heritage to this day.

The grandeur of the architectural monuments, a large number of interesting sights, snow-capped mountains, caves, and ancient gold mines have made Sombrerete one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico

Nevado de Toluca is the 4th highest volcano in Mexico. It is located about 80 km west of Mexico City, on the territory of a national park also named Nevado de Toluca (after the volcano).

The volcano is a popular destination for sledding and a variety of improvised means. This is one of the few places in Mexico where there is snow not only in winter but when the temperature and humidity contribute to it.

Before you go make sure you don’t need a visa

The Mexico Tourist Card is a travel document introduced in 2015 to increase tourism. Travelers from some countries have the opportunity to obtain an electronic permit to enter Mexico online with the Natvisa service.

The key advantage of this document is saving time that you previously spent visiting the embassy or visa center. The card is also linked to your passport, so you can go through all migration procedures at the airport.

Please note that the Mexico Tourist Card does not have visa status. Passport holders from some countries may still need a visa in addition to the Mexico Tourist Card to have a comfortable and legal stay in Mexico.

Mexico is the embodiment of an ideal tourist destination for a holiday.

The country meets the most optimistic expectations of travelers and impresses with unexpected discoveries. Holidays in Mexico is not only tequila, Mexicans in sombreros, and human-sized cacti, but also ski resorts!

These are possibly the snowiest places you can visit in Mexico. These destinations offer a unique combination of winter wonder and Mexican charm, making them ideal for those looking for a snowy vacation in Mexico.

All these destinations offer a unique winter experience and enchanting natural beauty.

Monterreal, Coahuila

Monterreal, located in the Coahuila highlands near Arteaga, is Mexico’s premier ski resort.

In winter, especially from December to January, this area turns into a snowy paradise. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Monterreal while taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains surrounding you.

Arteaga, Coahuila

Arteaga is a small cozy town on the outskirts of Saltillo. Known as the “Switzerland of Mexico,” Arteaga exudes a charming winter vibe. Stay here for a winter weekend and explore quaint streets and snow-covered landscapes.

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

Copper Canyon becomes a winter wonderland, best seen from the Chepe passenger train passing through the Sierra Tarahumara. Snow-covered pine trees, frozen lakes, and periodic snowfalls create a magical scene.

Creel, Chihuahua

Creel is a charming town on the Chepe Route, to see snow-covered views, frozen waterfalls, and the serene beauty of winter in the Sierra Tarahumara. Visit Creel in winter to see snowy pines, waterfalls, and frozen lakes.

Mexiquillo, Durango

Mexillo National Park, located in the Sierra Madre, attracts adventurers and nature lovers.

Frost-covered landscapes, abandoned tunnels, and icy waterfalls await exploration. Adventurers and nature lovers will enjoy rock climbing and hiking along the many trails of Mexico National Park in their winter gear.

Sombrerete, Zacatecas

Sombrereteis an old mining town is full of charm and colonial architecture. Sombrerete turns into a snow-covered paradise in winter. Stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the picturesque churches set against a white backdrop.

The city’s colonial buildings offer visitors a winter landscape rarely seen in Mexico.

Nevado de Toluca, State of Mexico

For extreme adventure seekers, the stratovolcano Nevado de Toluca offers an exciting winter playground. Stroll along snow-covered trails of the volcano slopes and enjoy panoramic views from this towering stratovolcano.

La Malinche (Malintzin), Tlaxcala

La Malinche National Park, located next to the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley, is ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The park’s natural beauty is especially noticeable when it is covered with white snow during the cold winter months.

Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl

These two majestic volcanoes are a challenging adventure for experienced climbers and hikers, especially Popocatepetl. Both volcanoes are not for beginners – it is best to explore them only if you already have some experience.

Pico de Orizaba

Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico to climb and admire the unparalleled snowy landscapes. Due to the dizzying heights and challenging terrain, this adventure is designed for those who do not suffer from vertigo.

Mexico City is located in a valley surrounded by large mountain ranges.

These mountain ranges act as a barrier to the cold air needed to form snow. The city’s low altitude and a subtropical high-altitude climate zone also contribute to milder temperatures, making it less favorable to snowfall.

Snow has occurred only a few times in Mexico City’s entire history. These snowfalls are usually very significant events and are often accompanied by excitement and amazement from the residents and tourists.

One of the recorded snowfalls in Mexico City occurred on March 5, 1940. The next time it snowed was 27 years later, on January 12, 1967, when 5 cm of snow fell in the center of Mexico City and the historic center.

Since these rare climate events, Mexico City has experienced several more notable snowfalls in 2007, 2016, and 2020. All of these events resulted in light to moderate snowfall only in various parts of Mexico City.

Although snowfall is a rare occurrence in Mexico City, it is more common in the surrounding mountainous areas, where higher elevations and cooler temperatures create more favorable conditions for snow formation.

On mountain peaks and volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico, the thickness of snow ranges from 12 to 25 cm. These areas experience annual snowfall on the high elevations, but such events are usually isolated from Mexico City.

Mexico City typically experiences moderate to warm temperatures throughout the year. The city’s climate was relatively stable in terms of temperature and precipitation, with snowfall occurring on only a few occasions.

Usually, snow requires certain temperature conditions to form, usually around or below freezing. Average temperatures in Mexico City rarely drop low enough to support snow formation, especially in the city center.

The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and human activity, can further increase temperatures. This effect can prevent the formation and accumulation of snow even during cold weather.

Chepe Express: 9 hours trip

With your ticket, you have the option of descending at two different stations, at no additional cost. At the stations where you decide to get off you have to remain at least one night, and take the train the next day.

At the moment of making a reservation, you have to specify your layovers.

• Creel – Los Mochis: Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday
• Los Mochis – Creel: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday)

Layovers:

• Creel
• Divisadero (Barrancas)
• El Fuerte
• Los Mochis

Type of wagon

• Executive class
• Tourist class
• Dome-Dining room (Urike)
• Bar
• Terrace

• Creel-Divisadero
  Departure: 07:30 – Arrival: 08:47
• Divisadero-El Fuerte
  Departure: 09:02 – Arrival: 14:24
• El Fuerte-Los Mochis
  Departure: 14:29 – Arrival: 16:35
• Los Mochis-El Fuerte
  Departure: 07:30 – Arrival: 09:44
• El Fuerte-Divisadero
  Departure: 09:49 – Arrival: 15:20
• Divisadero-Creel
  Departure: 15:53 – Arrival: 17:14

It is not allowed to board the train with food. The train has a restaurant that requires reserving beforehand. The bar and the terrace also have food service (snacks and drinks). The Executive Class cars have a bar at the end of the wagon.

Baggage: A 25 kg suitcase and one carry-on per person.

With your ticket, you can descend on two stations at no extra cost. If you decide to go down you may remain one or more nights and board the train the next day.

SCHEDULE

Departs Creel: 7:30
Arrives at Los Mochis: 16:35 hrs
Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday

Departs Los Mochis: 7:30
Arrives at Creel: 17:14
Monday, Thursday, and Saturday

Price list: all prices in the Mexican peso

Chepe Regional: 16 hours trip

With your ticket, you have the option of descending at three different stations, at no additional cost. In the stations that you decide to get off, you have to accommodate your itinerary to the frequency of the train to continue your trip.

At the moment of making a reservation, you have to specify your layovers.

• Chihuahua – Los Mochis: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday
• Los Mochis – Chihuahua: Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday

Layovers

• Chihuahua
• Cuauhtemoc
• San Juanito
• Creel
• Pitorreal
• Divisadero (Barrancas)
• San Rafael
• Cuiteco
• Bahuichivo
• Témoris
• El Fuerte
• Los Mochis

Tourist Regional Class

• Dining room

Chepe Regional

• Chihuahua-Cuahutémoc
  Departure: 06:00 – Arrival: 08:25
• Cuahutémoc-San Juanito
  Departure: 08:25 – Arrival: 11:03
• San Juanito-Creel
  Departure: 11:03 – Arrival: 11:47
• Creel-Pitorreal
  Departure: 11:47 – Arrival: 12:42
• Pitorreal-Divisadero
  Departure: 12:42 – Arrival: 13:41
• Divisadero-Posada Barrancas
  Departure: 13:41 – Arrival: 13:52
• Posada Barrancas-San Rafael
  Departure: 13:52 – Arrival: 14:16
• San Rafael-Cuiteco
  Departure: 14:16 – Arrival: 14:58
• Cuiteco-Bahuichivo
  Departure: 14:58 – Arrival: 15:12
• Bahuichivo-Témoris
  Departure: 15:12 – Arrival: 16:12
• Témoris-El Fuerte
  Departure: 16:12 – Arrival: 19:19
• El Fuerte-Los Mochis
  Departure: 19:19 – Arrival: 21:28

• Los Mochis-El Fuerte
  Departure: 06:00 – Arrival: 08:19
• El Fuerte-Témoris
  Departure: 08:19 – Arrival: 11:24
• Témoris-Bahuichivo
  Departure: 11:24 – Arrival: 12:24
• Bahuichivo-Cuiteco
  Departure: 12:24 – Arrival: 12:35
• Cuiteco-San Rafael
  Departure: 12:35 – Arrival: 13:15
• San Rafael-Posada Barrancas
  Departure: 13:15 – Arrival: 13:46
• Posada Barrancas-Divisadero
  Departure: 13:46 – Arrival: 13:50
• Divisadero-Pitorreal
  Departure: 13:50 – Arrival: 14:45
• Pitorreal-Creel
  Departure: 14:45 – Arrival: 15:39
• Creel-San Juanito
  Departure: 15:39 – Arrival: 16:23
• San Juanito-Cuahutémoc
  Departure: 16:23 – Arrival: 19:07
• Cuahutémoc-Chihuahua
  Departure: 19:07 – Arrival: 21:34

It is not allowed to board the train with food. The train has a restaurant that serves throughout the journey.

Baggage: A 25 kg suitcase and one carry-on per person.

We offer the option of descending at three different stations, at no extra cost. At the stations where you decide to get off, you can stay at least one night and take the train the next day.

SCHEDULE

Departs Chihuahua: 6:00
Arrives at Los Mochis: 21:30
Monday, Thursday, and Saturday

Departs Los Mochis: 6:00
Arrives at Creel: 21:30
Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday

Price list: all prices in the Mexican peso

• It’s important that you arrive at the station 30 minutes before your departure.
• Book your hotel with enough anticipation since there are only a few in the area. During high season (July and August, December, Holy Week, and Easter) you should reserve your place with 4 months of anticipation.
• Bring enough cash since in the majority of the establishments it’s the only payment method.

Clothing and accessories

• Comfortable shoes and clothes because the terrain is usually irregular.
• Sunblock, hat/cap.
• Don’t forget to bring a jacket, due to the fact that the temperature drops in mountain areas (during the whole year).
• During winter (November – April): Warm clothes (jacket/coat).
• During spring (May-June): Light clothing.
• During summer (July-October): Light clothing, light sweater/windbreaker.

Copper Canyon’s climate varies significantly depending on the elevation. In the higher altitudes, temperatures can be quite cold, especially during the winter months. Snowfall is not uncommon in these areas.

The alpine climate of the mountainous regions of Copper Canyon has moderate temperatures from October to November and March to April. The bottom of the canyons are humid and warm and remain that way throughout the year.

As you descend into the lower parts of the canyon, the climate becomes more temperate and even subtropical in some areas. Summers tend to be warmer, with temperatures in the lower canyons often reaching hot levels.

During the warmest months, April through June, drought is a problem with little rainfall until July when the rainy season begins.

The best time to visit Copper Canyon

The best time to visit Copper Canyon depends on your preferences and the type of activities you plan to engage in.

For those who want to explore the Copper Canyon’s beauty without extreme temperatures, the ideal time is during the spring and fall (March to May and September to November).

The weather is mild, and the landscape is lush and vibrant during these months.

If you’re interested in witnessing the unique culture of the Tarahumara, consider visiting during their major cultural events and festivals, such as Semana Santa or the Ultramarathon races, which are held in late February or early March.

The New Spanish arrived in the Copper Canyon area in the 17th century and encountered the indigenous locals throughout Chihuahua. For the New Spanish, America was a new land to explore for gold and silver and also to spread Christianity.

The New Spanish named the people they encountered “Tarahumara”, derived from the word Rarámuri, which is what the indigenous people call their men. Some scholars theorize that this word may mean ‘The running people’.

During the 17th century, silver was discovered by the Hispanics in the land of the Tarahumara tribe.

Some were enslaved for mining efforts. There were small uprisings by the Tarahumara but to little avail. They eventually were forced off the more desirable lands and up into the canyon cliffs.

The Sierra Tarahumara Occidental region contains numerous species of pine and oak trees. Mexican Douglas-fir trees cover the high plateaus in altitudes over 2,400 m, but due to deforestation in the area, many species of wildlife are endangered.

Cougars live in the remotest of regions and are rarely seen.

After the summer rainy season, these upper regions blossom with wildflowers until October.

From 1,200–to 2,400 m, oak trees grow in huge forests as well as the more shade-tolerant types of trees. In the fall the forests become brilliant with color from Andean alder and poplar trees.

Brushwood and scrubby trees grow on the canyon slopes, which can accommodate the dry season. Huge fig and palm trees thrive at the bottom where water is plentiful and the climate is tropical.

Due to increases in human population, there are many threats to the ecosystems of the Sierra Tarahumara Occidental region.

The government funding to build a “tourist-friendly” atmosphere poses threats to the environment and indigenous cultures. Roads have been built in the former isolated mountainous zones.

Agriculture and grazing as well as the cutting of hardwoods and other trees for firewood has accelerated a soil erosion problem.

Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) and desert ironwood trees are cut and exported primarily to the U.S. for charcoal. Amapa trees yield highly prized lumber for building and furniture making. Other trees are also cut and sold for their high-priced lumber.

Over-harvesting of the forests in the area has caused the extinction of the imperial woodpecker and Mexican wolf.

Approximately, two percent of the original old-growth forest remains.

However, a massive forest-harvesting project in the region has been abandoned, for now, by the World Bank. The Mexican forestry department deemed these species of trees “legally protected,” but enforcement is difficult.

The government has taken measures to halt or slow down the cultivation of opium poppies and cannabis by spraying crops with herbicides, which threaten the populations of many different species.

A large saturnid moth (Rothschildia Cincta) is one of the species that are threatened by the spraying. Their cocoons are used by the native population for ceremonial purposes.

Open-pit mining for copper, gold, and other metals not only produces air pollution from smelters but has been linked to the serious decline of the Tarahumara frog (Rana tarahumarae).

Every river system has been dammed causing fresh water shortages in nearby desert communities.

An enormous dam is being constructed on the Rio Fuerte, which poses major environmental problems and may lead to massive losses of tropical forests and habitats.

Conservation is underway but remains informal and slow. Mexico has environmental laws but suffers from a lack of financial resources. Enforcement has been lax or non-existent.

Agencies are actively trying to increase the protection of natural preserves.

Copper Canyon’s traditional inhabitants are the Tarahumara or Rarámuri.

With no official census, the population of the Rarámuri people probably ranges between 35,000 and 70,000.

Many Rarámuri reside in the cooler, mountainous regions during the hot summer months and migrate deeper into the canyons in the cooler winter months, where the climate is more temperate.

Their survival strategies have been to occupy areas that are too remote for city people, way off the beaten path, to remain isolated and independent, so as to avoid losing their culture.

Their diet is largely domestic agrarian but does consist of meat from domesticated cows, chickens and goats, wild game, and freshwater fish. Corn (maize) is the most important staple of the Rarámuri’s diet.

The Rarámuri people are known for their endurance running. Living in the canyons, they travel great vertical distances, which they often do by running nonstop for hours.

A popular Rarámuri community race called Rarajipari is played by kicking a wooden ball along the paths of the steep canyons.

Tourism is a growing industry for Copper Canyon, but the acceptance of it is debated in the local communities.

Some communities accept government funding for building roads, restaurants, and lodging to make the area attractive for tourists.

Many other groups of Rarámuri maintain their independence by living in areas that are as far away from city life as possible. Their way of life is protected by the mountainous landscape.

There are many other ways to explore Copper Canyon such as hiking, biking, driving, or horseback riding.

The most popular way is by train, as the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico or ChePe, runs along the main canyon called Canyon Urique, between Chihuahua and Los Mochis, on the Gulf of California.

The Chihuahua al Pacifico began in the late 19th century.

The revolution, lack of funding, and the overall difficulty of building a railroad over such terrain hindered its completion until 1961.

The railroad comprises 405 miles of rails with 39 bridges and 86 tunnels. The total trip takes approximately 15 hours and passes through towns, as well as the towering cliffs of the canyons.

Along the railway, many Tarahumarans lay out their food, crafts, and other wares for sale.

Mexico established the Parque Nacional Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon National Park) to showcase this remote area. The park is located in the municipalities of Batopilas, Bocoyna, Guachochi, and Urique.

The Basaseachic Falls National Park around the Basaseachic Falls is located within the canyon area.

Among the villages located in or on the Copper Canyon are:

Bahuichivo, ChePe train stop for Cerocahui, Urique, Piedras Verdes, Tubares.

Basaseachi, located near the pour off of 246 m Cascada Basaseachi in the Barranca Candameña. The towns and ranchos of San Lorenzo, Cahuisori, and Huahumar encircle the rim of the canyon, also home to Mexico’s highest waterfall Piedra Volada.

It is on the main Federal Highway 16 between Chihuahua, Chihuahua, and Hermosillo, Sonora. The Rio Candameña is a tributary of the Rio Mayo which flows into the Gulf of California.

Batopilas, elevation 600 m, is a town on the Batopilas River at the bottom of a canyon; first established by the Spanish around 1632 to mine silver. It is located 30 km southeast of Urique.

Bocoyna, 30 km east of Creel, and on the eastern escarpment of the continental divide.

The nearby Rio Conchos flows into the Rio Bravo (Rio Grande) on the Mexico-Texas border. Carichí, Sisoguichi, and Panalachi are important Tarahumara settlements on the Rio Conchos drainage system.

Cerocahui, 14 km S. of the train stop at Bahuichivo.

Creel, atop the canyon and, at 2,340 meters altitude, marking one of the highest points on the ChePe railroad route (San Juanito is higher at 2,400 meters; a central point for commerce and tourism.

Divisadero is a key train stop and vista point with amazing views down into the Urique Canyon of the Barranca del Cobre. The ChePe train allows a 15-20 minute stop for visitors to enjoy the view.

Divisadero and nearby Areponapuchi (located 4 km south) are major canyon-rim trailheads for hiking into the Rio Urique canyon.

This high mesa is home to three tourist-class hotels strategically located on the canyon rim, and several low-budget guesthouses offering basic accommodations with meals included.

Témoris is a dual town located 400 m apart in elevation. The ChePe train traverses the valley 3 times including a mile-long tunnel to gain elevation. Located on the Rio Septentrion, lower Temoris is at 1000 m.

Urique, 560 m. Located at the bottom of the canyon rim below Bahuichivo, on the Urique River. It is 30 km NW of Batopilas, now connected by a rough road.